Shell sale plan not our fault: fed govt

THE federal government has dismissed opposition claims that Shell's Geelong refinery sale plans are linked to its economic management.

Federal Resources and Energy Minister Gary Gray says opposition industry spokeswoman Sophie Mirabella is engaging in fear-mongering and misinformation by saying Shell's announcement follows business warnings about economic instability and a lack of confidence due to Labor's bad decisions.

"Shell has clearly stated that its decision to sell is not the result of any government policy and that operations at the refinery will continue as normal," Mr Gray said in a statement.

Earlier, Ms Mirabella also said Labor's economic mismanagement had resulted in more than 140,000 jobs disappearing in five years.

"Today's announcement by Shell that they plan to sell their Geelong refinery is further evidence of the cost and competitiveness challenges facing Australian businesses," she said in a joint statement with federal Liberal candidates for Corangamite, Sarah Henderson, and Corio, Peter Read.

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